Research Before the Test Drive

Used-Car Buying Guide for St. Louis Drivers

Use this guide to define the vehicle's job, build a complete budget, review an exact listing, inspect and test-drive the vehicle, understand the Buyers Guide and compare written financing terms before deciding.

Step One

Define the Transportation Need Before the Model

List the people, cargo and routes the vehicle must handle most often. Include commute length, parking constraints, child-seat use, weather exposure, road surface, business equipment and any towing or payload needs. Distinguish everyday requirements from occasional wants so the search does not become unnecessarily expensive.

Then decide which body styles can perform the job. A sedan may be efficient and easy to park. A crossover can add cargo flexibility. A three-row SUV may help with passengers. A pickup or van can suit work that a passenger vehicle cannot. The best choice depends on use, not popularity alone.

Review the Exact Listing

Do Not Assume Every Trim Is Equipped the Same

Use the VDP as the starting point and verify important information with the vehicle and written documents.

• VIN, stock number, model year and trim
• Current mileage and drivetrain
• Advertised price and disclosed conditions
• Photos of exterior, interior, cargo space and visible wear
• Required features and option packages
• Available vehicle-history information
• Number of keys and included accessories
• Physical dealership location and availability

Read the Buyers Guide

Understand Warranty or As-Is Terms in Writing

A dealer's Buyers Guide is an important disclosure for a used vehicle. It identifies whether the vehicle is offered with a warranty or as-is and provides other required information. Read the actual guide displayed for the vehicle and make sure any negotiated promises appear in the final written documents.

The Federal Trade Commission provides consumer information about buying a used vehicle from a dealer. Use that resource along with the exact Buyers Guide, purchase documents and any service-contract terms rather than relying on verbal assurances.

Inspect and Drive

Evaluate More Than Appearance

Check History and Recalls

Use the VIN to Verify What Can Be Verified

A vehicle-history report can provide useful records, but it may not contain every repair, collision or ownership event. Compare it with the vehicle's condition, title information and inspection. Ask questions when dates, mileage or reported events do not make sense.

Check the VIN for open safety recalls through the manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A recall lookup is separate from a general history report and should be part of the research process.

Financing and Trade

Keep the Numbers Separate and Visible

When a trade is involved, identify its allowance and verified payoff separately. Positive equity can reduce the next balance; negative equity can increase it if a lender permits the shortfall to be included. Do not evaluate the replacement vehicle only by the difference in monthly payment.

For financing, compare vehicle price, down payment, amount financed, APR, term, finance charge, monthly payment, total of payments and optional products. Ask questions before signing and retain copies of the final documents.

Before Taking Delivery

Final Checks Worth Completing

A careful final review can prevent misunderstandings after the sale.

• Confirm the VIN on the vehicle matches the contract
• Review mileage and odometer disclosures
• Verify agreed equipment, keys and accessories are present
• Read warranty, as-is and service-contract documents
• Confirm price, fees, trade, payoff and financing figures
• Obtain copies of every signed document
• Understand temporary-tag and title procedures
• Confirm insurance is effective before driving away

Use the Guide on the Exact Vehicle

Research the listing, inspect and drive the vehicle, read the Buyers Guide and compare the full transaction before deciding.